The Washington Capitals (1-0) are set to host the Montreal Canadiens (0-1) in the second game of their 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs first-round series on Wednesday. In Game 1 on Monday night, the Canadiens forced overtime by scoring two goals in the third period, but Alex Ovechkin secured the win for Washington with a goal from close range. During the regular season, the Capitals won two of their three matchups against the Canadiens.
Game 2 is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. According to the latest odds, Washington is the favorite on the money line at -183 (bet $183 to win $100), while Montreal is the underdog at +153 (bet $100 to win $153). The total number of goals (over/under) is set at 5.5. The Capitals are also favored on the puck line at -1.5 (+142). For insights on betting choices, predictions are available from SportsLine`s statistical model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates each NHL game 10,000 times to generate predictions. Heading into the first full week of the 2025 NHL playoffs, the model had a strong record on top-rated puck line and over/under bets, showing significant returns for bettors.
Best Bets for Capitals vs. Canadiens Game 2
Bet 1: Canadiens +1.5 Puck Line (-172)
The Montreal roster includes seven players new to the NHL playoffs. Despite this inexperience, coach Martin St. Louis` team showed resilience by rallying late against the veteran Capitals in Game 1. Montreal has kept the score within one goal in their last two games against Washington, which the SportsLine model suggests is why it predicts the Canadiens will cover the puck line in 60% of simulations.
Bet 2: Alex Ovechkin Anytime Goalscorer (+115)
Alex Ovechkin, known as `The Great 8`, has been on a scoring streak, netting nine goals in his last nine games in April, including both the first and winning goals in Game 1. This season, he has scored three goals in three games against Montreal. His career playoff goal tally stands at 74 in 152 games. Ovechkin is favored at +115 to score a goal at any point during Game 2.
Bet 3: Cole Caufield 1+ Points (-128)
Cole Caufield has been consistent, recording at least one point in eight of his last ten games in April. He played a key role in Montreal`s third-period comeback in Game 1, scoring a goal assisted by Patrik Laine. Caufield is priced at -128 to register at least one point in Game 2.
